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The Bride Chase
From USA Today Bestselling Author Christy Carlyle, a Victorian historical romance about a debutante fleeing a forced marriage, the viscount sent to drag her home, and a stolen night that neither of them can leave buried.
Philippa Morgan is done being the biddable debutante. When her craven brother tries to sell her into marriage to a man nearly forty years her senior to restore the family's fortune, she sees only one road to flee to Brighton. She trades the ballrooms of Mayfair for the salt air of the coast, determined to guard her dream of marrying for love—even if it costs her home and family.
What she never anticipated was that the man sent to fetch her back would be Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield—the very man who shattered her heart just two months before, after a stolen night in his garden. Now, weighed down by his own family's ruin, Atlas faces his own pressure to marry without love. And when fate throws them together again, the feelings they both tried to bury flare right back to life, leaving them to choose between the lives others have arranged for them and a scandalous love that refuses to be tamed.
Perfect for readers who
– Second-chance Victorian historical romance
– A runaway debutante and the viscount who wants her
– Sweeping, sensual, seaside-and-ballroom settings
– Forced-marriage stakes and a love worth the scandal
Philippa Morgan is done being the biddable debutante. When her craven brother tries to sell her into marriage to a man nearly forty years her senior to restore the family's fortune, she sees only one road to flee to Brighton. She trades the ballrooms of Mayfair for the salt air of the coast, determined to guard her dream of marrying for love—even if it costs her home and family.
What she never anticipated was that the man sent to fetch her back would be Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield—the very man who shattered her heart just two months before, after a stolen night in his garden. Now, weighed down by his own family's ruin, Atlas faces his own pressure to marry without love. And when fate throws them together again, the feelings they both tried to bury flare right back to life, leaving them to choose between the lives others have arranged for them and a scandalous love that refuses to be tamed.
Perfect for readers who
– Second-chance Victorian historical romance
– A runaway debutante and the viscount who wants her
– Sweeping, sensual, seaside-and-ballroom settings
– Forced-marriage stakes and a love worth the scandal
- GenresHistorical Romance
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Christy Carlyle
62 books585 followersFueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 4, 2026
The power of love
A bit of a bittersweet tone. Seems like these two feel destined to deny and release each other even if it’s not truth. Then comes Brighton away from the rigid rules and eyes of Society can two fools finally admit what’s in their hearts?
Enjoyable short romance. Sweet with a wee bit of heat. Kind of a Romeo and Juliet vibe but a much much better ending for the couple.
A bit of a bittersweet tone. Seems like these two feel destined to deny and release each other even if it’s not truth. Then comes Brighton away from the rigid rules and eyes of Society can two fools finally admit what’s in their hearts?
Enjoyable short romance. Sweet with a wee bit of heat. Kind of a Romeo and Juliet vibe but a much much better ending for the couple.
Review of advance copy
Thank you Booksprout for the opportunity to read this.
Philippa “Pip” Morgan flees to Brighton to avoid an arrange marriage with a man twice her age. She cannot forget the night spent in the garden with her brother’s best friend. Pip plans to travel abroad until she reaches the age of majority. She never expected her brother to send Atlas Ballentine to retrieve her. Can Philippa convince Atlas to let her go? Or will he break her heart for a second time?
Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield, intends to marry a wealthy heiress. His intentions are disrupted when his friend asks for his help in locating and returning his missing sister. Atlas regrets how he avoided Pip after their romantic encounter in his family’s gardens. When he finds her in Brighton, Atlas realizes how he truly feels for Philippa. Will he return Pip to her brother? Or will Atlas convince her to marry him instead?
I applaud Pip’s initiative to escape an unwanted arranged marriage, especially when her brother ignored her reservations. She is not the type of woman to meekly do as bid. With Atlas, I love how he fought for Pip’s right to choose her spouse instead of siding with his friend. Even Atlas opposed the match. I like how he finally realizes his feelings when Pip threatens to travel abroad.
I am uncertain if THE BRIDE CHASE belongs to any of the author’s series. Christy Carlyle is not new to me. I have only read one other book by her, and that is THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL, book one in her PRINCES OF LONDON series.
I do have one small nitpick with the story: the ending. It felt lackluster – Atlas and Pip did not confront her brother, his best friend. What was the backlash on Pip’s broken engagement? Surely, there is one. Unless it is touched on in another book (if this novella belongs to a series).
With me and novellas, they are not long enough to allow me to connect with the characters fully. I would have enjoyed it better if it was a full-length novel. That is on me, not the author.
Philippa “Pip” Morgan flees to Brighton to avoid an arrange marriage with a man twice her age. She cannot forget the night spent in the garden with her brother’s best friend. Pip plans to travel abroad until she reaches the age of majority. She never expected her brother to send Atlas Ballentine to retrieve her. Can Philippa convince Atlas to let her go? Or will he break her heart for a second time?
Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield, intends to marry a wealthy heiress. His intentions are disrupted when his friend asks for his help in locating and returning his missing sister. Atlas regrets how he avoided Pip after their romantic encounter in his family’s gardens. When he finds her in Brighton, Atlas realizes how he truly feels for Philippa. Will he return Pip to her brother? Or will Atlas convince her to marry him instead?
I applaud Pip’s initiative to escape an unwanted arranged marriage, especially when her brother ignored her reservations. She is not the type of woman to meekly do as bid. With Atlas, I love how he fought for Pip’s right to choose her spouse instead of siding with his friend. Even Atlas opposed the match. I like how he finally realizes his feelings when Pip threatens to travel abroad.
I am uncertain if THE BRIDE CHASE belongs to any of the author’s series. Christy Carlyle is not new to me. I have only read one other book by her, and that is THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL, book one in her PRINCES OF LONDON series.
I do have one small nitpick with the story: the ending. It felt lackluster – Atlas and Pip did not confront her brother, his best friend. What was the backlash on Pip’s broken engagement? Surely, there is one. Unless it is touched on in another book (if this novella belongs to a series).
With me and novellas, they are not long enough to allow me to connect with the characters fully. I would have enjoyed it better if it was a full-length novel. That is on me, not the author.
August 29, 2026
This is one of the stories in anthology What Happens in Brighton. It is a great read of unspoken feelings and second chances. Atlas, Viscount Stonefield has been best friends with Douglas since their school days. Philippa is Douglas sister and he has known her since all her life. When she made her comping out, he knew the little girl he called Pip had grown into a lovely lady and her brother would kill him if he knew what he thought every time he saw her. He danced with her only what was proper and dreamed about more. Knowing she can’t be his he has put off marrying too long and is making plans to marry a nice lady who will help him with his twin sisters and the running of his house. It is a good match for both of them and what the ton would expect. Till Douglas storms into his study demanding his help finding Phillppa who has run away. She was done being the debutante willing to be sold to a man forty years older than her and makes her skin crawl! After a kiss in the garden with Atlas, she knows she can’t marry another. Atlas hasn’t spoken to her in two months. She has heard of a Lady in Brighton who helps woman find their way which is where she is going. The last person she expects to find her is Atlas. He has a lot to tell her and explain. Ah, now the story unfolds between them. Second chances, misunderstanding and finally finding what is most important. So much emotion, love and passion in a short read. Be sure and grab your copy and get started; you will not be sorry. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
September 2, 2026
Incomplete
“The Bride Chase” was written by Christy Carlyle. This is the first I have read by this author and, unfortunately, I wasn’t really impressed. This offering seemed more like a few chapters taken out of the middle of the book. All I knew about the characters is that Philippa was being forced to wed a man twice her age for money and Atlas, a viscount, was marrying for money. The time frame this takes place that sort of thing was commonplace. At least Philippa had some gumption to flee to Brighton, she definitely did not want to marry the man chosen by her brother. Her thoughts repeatedly turned to her brother’s best friend, Atlas and an occurrence in his garden, which was never fully explained. Anyway, Atlas was sent to retrieve Philippa. All I perceived was stilted conversation, no chemistry, and a rushed scene in a hotel room. This has potential. It needs to be expanded, the characters require depth and chemistry, a history, and what led them to that encounter in the garden. What happened after the hotel? Too many unanswered questions, two characters I didn’t get to know enough to cheer for, and an ending that came to a sudden halt. I can’t really recommend what I don’t consider a well written story, even short stories are better composed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
“The Bride Chase” was written by Christy Carlyle. This is the first I have read by this author and, unfortunately, I wasn’t really impressed. This offering seemed more like a few chapters taken out of the middle of the book. All I knew about the characters is that Philippa was being forced to wed a man twice her age for money and Atlas, a viscount, was marrying for money. The time frame this takes place that sort of thing was commonplace. At least Philippa had some gumption to flee to Brighton, she definitely did not want to marry the man chosen by her brother. Her thoughts repeatedly turned to her brother’s best friend, Atlas and an occurrence in his garden, which was never fully explained. Anyway, Atlas was sent to retrieve Philippa. All I perceived was stilted conversation, no chemistry, and a rushed scene in a hotel room. This has potential. It needs to be expanded, the characters require depth and chemistry, a history, and what led them to that encounter in the garden. What happened after the hotel? Too many unanswered questions, two characters I didn’t get to know enough to cheer for, and an ending that came to a sudden halt. I can’t really recommend what I don’t consider a well written story, even short stories are better composed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Philippa Morgan escapes the clutches of an unwanted marriage, fleeing the future her brother has arranged—a union with an older man she cannot accept. Fate takes a twist when her brother dispatches Atlas Ballantine, Viscount Stonefield—his best friend, and the man Philippa secretly loves—to track her down and bring her home.
I loved that Philippa boldly stands up for her own future, refusing to be forced into a life she doesn’t want. The irony is delightful: her brother sends Atlas, who is struggling to deny his own feelings for “Pip,” and this mission sets off a chain of events that changes everything.
Their reunion is both sweet and intense, sparking a whirlwind of emotions and moments that shift the course of their lives. This short novella hooked me from the very first page and held me until the satisfying, romantic conclusion.
I first read this story in the What Happens in Brighton anthology, and I was thrilled to revisit it. Its brevity makes it a quick, charming read, though I can’t help wishing it were longer—I wanted to see more of what happens after the couple returns home. I highly recommend this friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance for anyone who enjoys heartfelt novellas with a dash of adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved that Philippa boldly stands up for her own future, refusing to be forced into a life she doesn’t want. The irony is delightful: her brother sends Atlas, who is struggling to deny his own feelings for “Pip,” and this mission sets off a chain of events that changes everything.
Their reunion is both sweet and intense, sparking a whirlwind of emotions and moments that shift the course of their lives. This short novella hooked me from the very first page and held me until the satisfying, romantic conclusion.
I first read this story in the What Happens in Brighton anthology, and I was thrilled to revisit it. Its brevity makes it a quick, charming read, though I can’t help wishing it were longer—I wanted to see more of what happens after the couple returns home. I highly recommend this friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance for anyone who enjoys heartfelt novellas with a dash of adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a cute, short historical story that has an arranged marriage/runaway bride, and brother's best friend themes.
Philippa is a sweet nice debutante but has reached the end of her rope when her brother arranges and untenable wedding for her, to save his own coffers. She takes matters into her own hands and flees. To save his own hide, especially as he has already accepted monies for the betrothal he arranged, her brother seeks out his best friend, Atlas, Viscount Stoneleigh to find Philippa.
Except Atlas and Philippa have a past attraction to each other, and Atlas, having to seek his own wealthy bride to shore up his own viscountcy, had to turn her away. But when he finds her, their former attraction flares anew, and grows into something more.
Sweet, and quite short - cute, but not a lot of depth in it's brevity.
3 stars out of 5
This is a cute, short historical story that has an arranged marriage/runaway bride, and brother's best friend themes.
Philippa is a sweet nice debutante but has reached the end of her rope when her brother arranges and untenable wedding for her, to save his own coffers. She takes matters into her own hands and flees. To save his own hide, especially as he has already accepted monies for the betrothal he arranged, her brother seeks out his best friend, Atlas, Viscount Stoneleigh to find Philippa.
Except Atlas and Philippa have a past attraction to each other, and Atlas, having to seek his own wealthy bride to shore up his own viscountcy, had to turn her away. But when he finds her, their former attraction flares anew, and grows into something more.
Sweet, and quite short - cute, but not a lot of depth in it's brevity.
3 stars out of 5
September 3, 2026
A runaway debutante, a viscount from the past and a Victorian second-chance romance.
A captivating, moving and fast-paced Victorian historical romance novella, brimming with daring escapes, second chances, Mayfair balls and forbidden passions.
The story follows the innocent Philippa Morgan, a debutante who flees to Brighton to escape a forced marriage to a man forty years her senior, to whom her brother is trying to sell her.
What she never expected was that the man sent to bring her back would be Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield – the very same man who broke her heart two months earlier after a secret night in his garden.
Atlas, too, faces the ruin of his family and the pressure to marry without love, but when they meet again on the coast, their repressed feelings resurface with a vengeance, forcing them to choose between the demands of society and a scandalous love. They must decide whether to follow their hearts or fade into oblivion.
A captivating, moving and fast-paced Victorian historical romance novella, brimming with daring escapes, second chances, Mayfair balls and forbidden passions.
The story follows the innocent Philippa Morgan, a debutante who flees to Brighton to escape a forced marriage to a man forty years her senior, to whom her brother is trying to sell her.
What she never expected was that the man sent to bring her back would be Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield – the very same man who broke her heart two months earlier after a secret night in his garden.
Atlas, too, faces the ruin of his family and the pressure to marry without love, but when they meet again on the coast, their repressed feelings resurface with a vengeance, forcing them to choose between the demands of society and a scandalous love. They must decide whether to follow their hearts or fade into oblivion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dang, this is a great little book! I was very impressed that it happened in only 52 pages - that's talent. Philippa "Pip" has been betrothed to a mean old man. This was her brother's doing. She says absolutely not, and she runs off in the night. The brother goes and gets Atlas to find her. The best part - Pip and Atlas have a HISTORY. Atlas is coming dangerously close to being engaged to someone he doesn't like either.
We don't waste any time in this short story. I'm going to tell you that he finds her. They are a very charming couple who should've been together all along. Very believable. The fact that only he calls her "Pip" is just so adorable and green flag. There's even open door spice! Very well written!
Thank you to Oliver Heber and Booksprout for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
We don't waste any time in this short story. I'm going to tell you that he finds her. They are a very charming couple who should've been together all along. Very believable. The fact that only he calls her "Pip" is just so adorable and green flag. There's even open door spice! Very well written!
Thank you to Oliver Heber and Booksprout for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
September 7, 2026
We have two very stubborn people who share a dynamic chemistry and a match that exceeds most expectations! Miss Philippa Morgan sister to Sir Douglas Morgan.
Her brother sold her off to a man old enough to be her father and took an advance payment.
Douglas is best friends either way Lord Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield! Atlas needs an heiress to strengthen his finances.
Philippa aka Pip runs away and Atlas is sent to Brighton to find her and just maybe himself!
These two need to find a way to reconcile love with family expectations!
Can Pip convince Atlas that their love is true and find a way that they can be happy?
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my unbiased opinion!
Her brother sold her off to a man old enough to be her father and took an advance payment.
Douglas is best friends either way Lord Atlas Ballentine, Viscount Stonefield! Atlas needs an heiress to strengthen his finances.
Philippa aka Pip runs away and Atlas is sent to Brighton to find her and just maybe himself!
These two need to find a way to reconcile love with family expectations!
Can Pip convince Atlas that their love is true and find a way that they can be happy?
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my unbiased opinion!
September 19, 2026
This is a very sweet and short novella. It is quick to read and entertaining. I like Philippa and Atlas very much as characters, and they had chemistry and passion together. Atlas - her brother's best friend - is conveniently sent after Philippa when she runs to escape her dastardly older brother, who wants to marry her off to a much older man against her wishes. But when Atlas finds her he feels like he can never let her go. There were two huge unanswered questions at the end that left me feeling a little dissatisfied, but I did enjoy the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2026
He’s chasing after her…
Two months ago, Atlas, a viscount who is best friends with Philippa’s idiot older brother, made a huge mistake. He pushed Philippa away. Now, Philippa ran away from a most unwanted arranged marriage to a much older codger. Her brother begs Atlas to go retrieve her. Atlas was planning to marry a girl who doesn’t bother him, who doesn’t get in the way of his duties. Which is odd, as he’s the guardian to his twin younger sisters.
I really liked this fast paced romp, with great leads in Atkas (even if he’s dense) and the independent Philippa.
Highly recommend.
Two months ago, Atlas, a viscount who is best friends with Philippa’s idiot older brother, made a huge mistake. He pushed Philippa away. Now, Philippa ran away from a most unwanted arranged marriage to a much older codger. Her brother begs Atlas to go retrieve her. Atlas was planning to marry a girl who doesn’t bother him, who doesn’t get in the way of his duties. Which is odd, as he’s the guardian to his twin younger sisters.
I really liked this fast paced romp, with great leads in Atkas (even if he’s dense) and the independent Philippa.
Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy
This very short novella can be read in under an hour. It moves fast, but is still easy to follow. While it does leave you with some unanswered questions at the end, it is very sweet, with a taste of spice mixed in. This brothers best friend, second chance romance keeps you on your toes, while you wait to see what happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I love novellas sometimes as they are quick and easy to read and the anxiety is not drawn out over half the book. This story meets those perimeters in spades. I adored Philippa and her willingness to walk away from everything rather than life with a horrible man. Atlas has a few issues, but his desire to protect her was so heartwarming . One sitting read and adorable to boot!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This was a sweet steamy friends to lovers novella. It was an encounter one night with his best friend’s sister that changed their lives forever. He thought distance was the answer breaking her heart until fate had them back together. All their feelings could no longer be denied leading to a steamy reunion and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, let’s address the cover of this book – chef’s kiss perfection, a little cheeky and so beautiful. Okay, now onto the story. This is a short novella and even though I would have loved a full length story of Atlas and Philippa’s love story, this story was sweet and gave me all of the feels. It reminded me a good bit (not plot wise, just feelings) of Christy’s first series, the Whitechapel Wagers which I have read a few times and loved.
Review of advance copy
Tropes: second chance romance
Steam level: 2-3
3.5 stars bumped up. I didn't realize until I first started reading this that I read it previously, in the "What Happens in Brighton" anthology. It's a short, light-hearted HR with likable characters. If you haven't read anything by the author before and just have thirty minutes or so to devote to a novella this is a good place to start.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Book Sprout for the standalone copy of this novella.
Steam level: 2-3
3.5 stars bumped up. I didn't realize until I first started reading this that I read it previously, in the "What Happens in Brighton" anthology. It's a short, light-hearted HR with likable characters. If you haven't read anything by the author before and just have thirty minutes or so to devote to a novella this is a good place to start.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Book Sprout for the standalone copy of this novella.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found this quick afternoon delight on Booksprout. It grabs you immediately and holds your full attention. i loved the characters and theres a happy for now ending. My only complaint was I was so invested in their story that I wanted to hear how they solved their situation at home. Christy Carlyle is new to me but I’m looking forward to checking out her other love stories.
Review of advance copy
Atlas is tasked with finding his friend’s sister who ran from a man she didn’t want to marry but her brother sold her to anyway. The story was short and it didn’t seem like the problem was resolved because they hadn’t dealt with her brother who spent her the money her betrothed gave him and her much older betrothed.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is my first Carlyle story! I loved it!
This novelette drew me in.
In a few pages, I felt like I knew the main characters.
Philippa and Atlas have known each other since they were children.
Atlas is Pip's brother's best friend.
Both Douglas and Atlas need to make money matches.
SO, Pip and Atlas cannot be! Right!
You'll see!
This novelette drew me in.
In a few pages, I felt like I knew the main characters.
Philippa and Atlas have known each other since they were children.
Atlas is Pip's brother's best friend.
Both Douglas and Atlas need to make money matches.
SO, Pip and Atlas cannot be! Right!
You'll see!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An empowering tale of heartache and hope that never loses it's sense of humor. Carlyle celebrates courageous with unforgettable. Phillipa and Atlas take a scandal of the heart and turn it into a meeting of the soul. From betrayal to second chances, heartbreak and hot romances, The Bride Chase is the wildest type of irresistible.
September 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this fast paced quick read. I loved how Philippa was determined to live the life she wanted. Atlas decided to go after what he wanted and I loved how it was accomplished. The riveting scenes and unexpected twists will make you want the book to not end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Perfect Love Story:
Two wonderful characters took me along on a sweet and lovely romance journey that thrilled my heart.
It is short, sweet & spicy that was a delightful, passionate love story that I truly enjoyed.
Adult Advisory:2/5
Perfect cover💖
Two wonderful characters took me along on a sweet and lovely romance journey that thrilled my heart.
It is short, sweet & spicy that was a delightful, passionate love story that I truly enjoyed.
Adult Advisory:2/5
Perfect cover💖
Review of advance copy
Read in the anthology What Happens in Brighton
A Viscount with his head in the sand and a lady fleeing an unwanted marriage. Will Atlas at last listen to his heart and not his head?
My review has been copied and pasted from the anthology.
A Viscount with his head in the sand and a lady fleeing an unwanted marriage. Will Atlas at last listen to his heart and not his head?
My review has been copied and pasted from the anthology.
September 2, 2026
Throughly loved reading Atlas and Phillipa's story of a runaway lady who doesn't not want to marry her brother's choose of groom. Atlas is also under pressure to marry and both escape to Brighton and hidden feelings arises as they try to find their way to their own happily ever after.
September 3, 2026
This short, fast-paced story was in What Happens In Brighton anthology. It was a sweet brothers' best friend to lovers' historical romance novella. The characters were wonderful, and their chemistry was strong. I enjoyed their emotional and heartfelt second chance.
September 26, 2026
Fast paced story of two very stubborn people who will grab your attention and not let go. This author gives great depth of characters and creates every scene to perfection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
A short Victorian romance with a happily ever after meant to be for Philippa and Atlas. A runaway debutante and a second chance at love with her Viscount.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews